Areas of Concern | Richmond Dermatology

Acne

Acne is a very common skin condition caused due to inflammation of the oil producing glands in the skin called sebaceous glands. It is characterised by blocked pores or comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and pus-filled spots (pustules). It usually starts at puberty and varies in severity from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest to a more significant problem that may cause scarring and impact on self-confidence.

Initially thought to be a problem restricted to teenagers, changing lifestyles, stress and resultant hormonal changes have possibly resulted in acne being experienced more and more by patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

Prompt treatment is necessary for a multitude of reasons. Acne can have a significant negative impact on one’s self confidence. The longer acne remains untreated, the more chances there are of post inflammatory pigmentation of the skin and scarring. Scarring is more difficult to treat.

Why book a consultation?

Acne treatments can range from mild topical cream to antibiotics, hormonal medication and Isotretioin (or Roaccutane as it popularly known). Large cysts can be significantly and dramatically reduced with intralesional steroids. A consultation with our specialist will allow for a tailor made treatment programme that is specific for your skin problem and type.

Before

After

Acne Scarring

Acne, if left untreated, and especially acne sufferers who have cysts, are likely to scar. Although it is easy to treat acne, scars are more difficult to treat. They can be significantly improved with a range of treatment ranging from creams to chemical peels and dermapen treatments.

Before

After

Actinic Keratosis

Actinic or solar keratoses are areas of sun-damaged skin found predominantly on sun-exposed parts of the body, particularly the backs of the hands and forearms, the face and ears, the scalp in balding men and the lower legs in women.

They are caused by excessive sun exposure over many years (from sunbathing, sunbed use, and outdoor work or recreational activities) and are therefore more common in older people. Fair-skinned, blue-eyed, red- or blonde-haired individuals, who burn easily in the sun but tan poorly, are at particular risk.

Are actinic keratoses hereditary?

No, but some of the factors that increase the risk of getting actinic keratoses such as a tendency to burn rather than tan, and freckling, do run in families.

Can they be treated?

Yes. Treatments range from freezing with liquid nitrogen cryotherapy to creams, surgery and photodynamic treatments. A consultation with our specialist will help decide the treatment that is most suitable for you.

Eczema

Eczema is a term given to a range of skin conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. Eczema can affect any areas of the body and can be debilitating and affect your quality of life. The severity of atopic eczema can vary a lot from person to person. People with mild eczema may only have small areas of dry skin that are occasionally itchy. In more severe cases, atopic eczema can cause widespread red, inflamed skin all over the body and constant itching.

Management of eczema is usually done through a range of treatments, emollients, diet, topical corticosteroids and topical treatments.

Book a consultation to discuss a treatment plan.

Hair Loss

Hair loss can present in a variety of ways. Some may have localised patches of hair loss called alopecia areata. This is a result of an autoimmune phenomenon which results in an immune mediated damage to the hair follicles. Many men and women and genetically predisposed to hair loss. In plenty of instances there may be an underlying cause for the hair loss such as thyroid problems, dietary deficiencies or even stress!

It is important to understand the reason for your hair loss and be guided on treatments which will be helpful.

Our consultant dermatologist has experience in disorders of skin and hair and will be able to guide you in the management of hair loss.

Hyperhidrosis or Excessive Sweating

Sweating is necessary to control body temperature during times of exercise and in warm/hot surroundings, and is a normal response to a rise in temperature or anxiety. Sweating is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. In about 1% of the population, this system is revved-up and works at a very high level, causing sweating to occur at inappropriate times, far in excess of the amount necessary to maintain normal body temperature. It can occur in many different areas of the body, and the condition is known as Hyperhidrosis, which means 'excessive sweating'. It affects both sexes equally, and all races.

Treatments:

Botox

Botulinum toxin (Botox) is approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to be used in the treatment of excessive sweating. Small doses of this substance is injected into the axilla which temporarily block the nerves that stimulate sweating.

The Procedure

The procedure is simple and safe. Before the treatment is carried out, the affected areas are cleaned and dried and lightly dusted with powder to identify the areas with highest activity. The Botox is then injected into small different points to ensure good coverage. No anaesthesia is required and the procedure itself only lasts a few minutes. Most daily activities can be resumed immediately.

Book a consultation to discuss your treatment plan.

Lumps and Bumps (Moles, Skin Tags, Warts)

Moles, skin tags and warts can be bothersome to live with; they tend to form in areas that irritate easily, around the bra lines, edges of underwear as well as around the neck, catching on clothing and jewellery. Skin tags are harmless and don't usually cause pain or discomfort.

However, you may want to consider getting them removed if they are unsightly and affect your self-esteem, or if they snag on clothing or jewellery and bleed.

Despite being irritating to live with, they are relatively easy to remove.

Treatments:

We offer a range of treatments for removal, our most popular being Cryotherapy, an application of Liquid Nitrogen applied to the affected area and minor surgery, which is surgical removal. These treatments are comfortable to have performed and do not require any recovery period. In addition to cosmetic removal we can assess the growth and advise on whether a sample should be sent to pathology for peace of mind.

Moles

Moles can be round, oval, flat, or raised. They can occur singly or in clusters on any part of the body. Most moles are brown, but colorscan range from pinkish flesh tones to yellow, dark blue, or black.

Everyone has at least a few moles. They generally appear by the time a person is 20 and resemble freckles at first. A mole's color andshape don't usually change. Changes in hormone levels that occur during puberty and pregnancy can make moles larger and darker.New moles may also appear during this period.

A mole usually lasts about 50 years before beginning to fade. Some moles disappear completely, and some never lighten at all. Somemoles develop stalks that raise them above the skin's surface; these moles eventually drop off.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a long-lasting (chronic) disease that usually involves periods when you have no symptoms or mild symptoms, followed by periods when symptoms are more severe. These patches normally appear on your elbows, knees, scalp and lower back, but can appear anywhere on your body. Most people are only affected with small patches. In some cases, the patches can be itchy or sore.

Psoriasis affects around 2% of people in the UK. It can start at any age, but most often develops in adults under 35 years old. The condition affects men and women equally.

Book a consultation to discuss a treatment plan.

Rosacea

Rosacea is a relapsing condition, which means there are periods when symptoms are particularly bad, followed by periods when the condition is less severe.

Many of the symptoms of rosacea can be controlled to a degree with treatment. But the changes to your physical appearance that may occur as a result of the condition can still have a significant psychological and social impact, affecting how you feel about yourself and how you interact with others.

Treatments:

We have a range of treatments including Dermapen and topical treatments.

Book a consultation to discuss a treatment plan.